Yanks notes:Nick Swisher struggling

Swisher’s struggles

Nick Swisher started his second straight game on the bench Monday, a decision Joe Girardi hopes will help clear the Yankee right fielder’s head and help him find his way out of a season-long slump, especially from the left side.

Chris Dickerson started in right field and batted ninth for the second straight game.

"Other than the frustration, I don’t really know what else more there is to clear," said Swisher, who has six hits in his last 29 at-bats. "I’m a competitor. I expect a lot out of myself … I’ll be the best cheerleader I can be."

Swisher is putting his trust in hitting coach Kevin Long, with whom he worked during early batting practice again before the game.

"A lot of people have opinions on what you should do and what you shouldn’t do," Swisher said. "But I know my guy’s K-Long and he’s going to tell me everything I need to do. I know if I listen to him and do everything he tells me, I’ll be right back to where I need to be."

According to Swisher, he was told by Girardi he will be back in the starting lineup tonight to face left-hander Ricky Romero.

"Players don’t want to sit down. They want to go out there and play every day," Girardi said. "That’s what they love to do, but I told him how important he is to us and we’ve got to get him going."

Other side of town

Derek Jeter was not about to join the discussion and debate over well-circulated comments Mets owner Fred Wilpon made about the Amazins in a magazine story published Monday.

"I’ve got nothing to do with that, buddy," Jeter told a reporter inquiring about the article in which Wilpon criticized three of his best players: David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes.

"Don’t drag me into this one, too," Jeter added, making a not-so-subtle reference to his involvement in the Jorge Posada-vs.-Yankees management saga from last weekend.

Briefs

Girardi said Rafael Soriano (elbow) could begin throwing off a mound by the end of this home stand Wednesday. … Joba Chamberlain was unavailable Monday not because of a reported eye infection, but due to his workload. He pitched twice over the weekend and warmed up Sunday, yet did not enter the game.